The Great Migration is an iconic occurrence in the reserves of Tanzania and Kenya and inspires many questions. Happily, our resident Tanzania expert, Lana Byal, can answer them!
If some of these have been on your mind, keep reading, and then of course, start planning!
What is the Great Migration in Africa?
The Great Migration in Africa is the world’s largest seasonal movement of land mammals, including over 2 million wildebeest, large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, eland and impala.
These animals move in a fairly predictable annual pattern that covers over 620 miles (1000 kilometers.) They follow the rains and traverse Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Massai Mara in search of the grasses they need to survive.
During this necessary journey, they must walk extreme distances and simultaneously attempt to avoid predation from lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and starvation. They must cross rivers filled with crocodiles waiting to catch a meal, battle disease, endure injury and fatigue and hopefully live to do it all again! As many as 250,000 animals will die during this yearly cycle.
What causes the Great Migration in Africa?
The Great Migration in Africa is primarily driven by the search for food and water. This movement follows seasonal rainfall patterns as the animals move to areas with fresh grazing lands and reliable water sources as the dry season begins. They travel in large herds to increase their chance of survival against the elements and protect themselves against predators.
Is the Great Migration worth seeing?
Yes, the Great Migration is an incredible event to witness. It is spectacular to see hundreds of thousands of animals moving together. Because so many animals rely on wildebeest and zebra for food, the Great Migration attracts many other species, making for unique sightings of diverse species. For example, on a good day, you can watch giraffe, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, hyena, impala, zebra, ostrich, and gazelles simultaneously.
How do I enhance my Great Migration experience?
- Maximize your time in the Serengeti. Stay in at least two camps in different locations to ensure the best chance of catching the Migration.
- Plan ahead: If you can, give yourself at least 8-12 months (even over a year) in advance of when you’d like to travel. This way, you can secure the best lodges and camps in the most desirable locations.
- Seasonality: Think carefully about the experience you want vs. your dates of travel and budget. We can provide guidance to help you! Use a trusted resource and someone knowledgeable and passionate about the area to plan your trip.
- If you’re up for it, choose a more adventurous way to see the Migration! Go off the beaten path with a walking expedition across the Serengeti!
Is seeing the wildebeest migration guaranteed?
We do our best to plan for optimal destinations and dates, but in the end, nature depends on dynamic factors that are subject to change. Since wildebeest and zebras are grazers, they’re following the grasses. They are chasing greener pastures all the time! And they have been really successful at this – maintaining a population of 1.5 million animals. Zebra and wildebeest eat different parts of the same grass and therefore make excellent migration partners, which is why you see them together.
When is the Great Migration in Africa?
January-February
This is a fantastic time to go on safari in general and, in particular, to see plains game with their young. Many animals, including wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and impala, have their young at this time, and it’s common to see baby animals throughout the parks. This also draws predators to easy prey, particularly animals like cheetahs and lions, as they take advantage of the helpless young.
Generally, the Migration is in the Southern Plains at this time, and there are many great mobile tent camps and lodges from which to choose. We know how to go into areas of the park and wilderness that will divert you from the crowds. Another great place to visit if you’re up for adventure and somewhere off the beaten path is Lake Natron. This is a phenomenal area with history, Massai culture and the towering, sacred mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai. Migration often makes its way through the Gol Mountains between January and March.
March
The herds are still grazing across Serengeti’s short grass plains and the Liondo and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Rains begin in March, so the animals start to move.
April and May
These are WET months, and we advise not targeting the Serengeti as some roads can be impassable due to bad conditions and varying soil types. When safari vehicles try to avoid the bad roads and drive around the bad conditions, it damages the soils and grassland ecosystem. If you can only travel during this time, focus on Central Serengeti — Seronera Valley and Moru Kopjes. Only select lodges and camps will be in operation during this time, so your choice will be limited.
June through mid-July
The animals are on the move and are moving north through Seronera Valley in May and into the Western Corridor for June and July. They can still be dispersed, but large numbers of wildebeest are most often in the Grumeti Reserve and the Western Corridor of the Serengeti.
This is where it’s possible to see crossings over the Grumeti River (although not as impressive as those at the Mara). Lodging is more dispersed in this region, and there are fewer camps and lodges overall. Since these months coincide with the summer holidays, planning in advance is very important. Some groups of the Migration will start to head north to the Mara River and follow the thundershowers.
Late July-October
Herds can move through the Northwestern regions of Serengeti National Park and even go outside of the park through buffer areas, such as Ikorongo. They will eventually end up in the Northern Serengeti in the Lemai Wedge and Kogatende areas. Following the thunderstorms and green grazing opportunities, their main obstacle is crossing the Mara River into Kenya. The north is a beautiful landscape dotted with large rock outcroppings, woodlands, and plenty of open space teeming with wildlife.
This is a spectacular place to catch the Migration crossing the Mara River, which is both fascinating and hard to watch at times. Many animals perish here both to predation and injury. River crossings can last through September (when crowds fade), and the Migration can still be seen grazing in the park’s northern region through October. However, many animals will also start heading south in October through the west (Loliondo) and Lobo areas, returning to the southern and central parts of the park in November.
November-December
Animals are dispersed in large groups among different areas – Southern Serengeti (Southern Plains), Loliondo, Ndutu, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (including the Gol Mountain area). November and December can be a little rainy, but they are green and lush, and typically, you can find animals in various areas. November safari rates are more advantageous because December is peak season, and rates increase, particularly over the holidays.
What is the benefit of traveling with migration experts rather than going solo to see the Great Migration?
Traveling with experts to see the Great Migration offers many advantages over going solo, including in-depth knowledge of timing and locations for the best chance of witnessing iconic events like river crossings. These travel experts have relationships with lodges and camps in prime viewing areas and can connect travelers with quality guides. They also handle the logistical details, such as transportation and park entry, allowing you to focus on enjoying your safari without the stress of planning.
What should my itinerary look like while traveling to see the Great Migration?
When selecting your accommodation to see the Great Migration, we recommend choosing a lodge or camp located in a region of the Serengeti or Masai Mara that coincides with the migration’s seasonal movements. While this doesn’t guarantee sightings, it significantly increases your chances of experiencing this magnificent event. We love tented camps as they are often located in remote areas, providing a unique and intimate safari experience. For instance, options like the Usawa in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Richard’s Camp in the Masai Mara offer excellent proximity to the migration crossings, gorgeous lodging, and high-end amenities alongside stunning wildlife views.
How to see the Great Migration in Africa?
To see the Great Migration in Africa, you can take traditional game drives, walking safaris for a more immersive experience, hot air balloon rides, or a combination. To ensure the best possible experience, we strongly recommend booking your safari through a travel company with a strong knowledge of the Great Migration, as they’ll have a better knowledge of animal movements and access to premium camps and lodges with reputable guides.
Ready to book your own migration safari? Get in touch with our expert safari designers, and we’ll plan your perfect adventure.
